DCI Goes After Kenyans Spreading Fake News About Coronavirus

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched a manhunt for individuals behind fake coronavirus news.

This was after videos giving false information about the pandemic were circulated on social media after Kenya confirmed its first Covid-19 case last Friday.

The Health Ministry said the video clips have been forwarded to the DCI for action and warned Kenyans against spreading misinformation about the disease.

"We have taken note of videos doing rounds on social media with fake information which are aimed at misinforming and causing unnecessary panic.”

“The fake and alarming videos have been forwarded to the DCI for investigations, arrest, and prosecution of such individuals," said Health CAS Mercy Mwangangi.

Mwangangi said only the Ministry of Health and Government Spokesperson Col Cyrus Oguna are permitted to give updates on the pandemic.

On Saturday, a Kenyan woman claimed to have been the patient who was diagnosed with the disease released a video refuting reports that she had tested positive for Covid-19.

Government Spokesman Oguna issued a statement clarifying that the woman in the video and the one who was diagnosed with coronavirus were two different people.

A 27-year-old Kenyan student who returned from the United States on March 5th received a positive result and is receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital. Her identity is yet to be disclosed.